Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children

Harnessing Interdisciplinary Research to Promote the Flourishing of Every Child and Family

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children, at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada, is a research centre focused on early interventions and social policy to allow children and youth to thrive.

Established in 2019 through a landmark gift from Dr. Edwin S.H. Leong, a prominent global business leader, philanthropist, and University of Toronto alumnus, our Centre brings together researchers to address and reduce inequities in child health outcomes resulting from the social and structural determinants of health. To learn more about our work and current activities, we encourage you to become a member for the latest news and events.

Areas of Focus

Health Inequities in Children

Addressing the causes and impact of societal disadvantage to promote the flourishing of every child and family

Mental Health

Preventing mental health problems and supporting optimal outcomes for those with mental healthcare needs

Chronic Childhood Conditions

Preventing illness and improving the well-being of children with chronic conditions and their families

Child Development & School Outcomes

Supporting healthy development during critical life stages

Care Delivery Models & Policies

Evaluating innovative models of care delivery and health and social policies

Nov 25

Leong Centre Rounds: Ingrid Giesinger

Presentation | 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Dec 4

Trainee Hub: Ethical Considerations for Collaborating with Patient and Community Partners in Research

Presentation | 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Nov 13, 2024

Understanding the over-representation of First Nations children in Ontario’s Child Welfare System

Funded by the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children Catalyst Grant, Dr. Barbara Fallon from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, and Amber Crowe, Executive Director of Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child & Family Services, provide a summary of their work with First Nations children and families using linked census and child welfare data.

Nov 7, 2024

Building bridges in child health research through international collaboration

Xuedi Li is a member of the Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children and an Epidemiologist with the TARGet Kids! research network. She recently visited Hong Kong to explore potential collaboration opportunities with Professor Patrick Ip’s research team at Queen Mary Hospital and Hong Kong University.

Nov 4, 2024

Improving pediatric burn care and identifying gaps in access to specialized treatment in Ontario

Dr. Eduardo Gus, a pediatric plastic surgeon in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, and former Leong Centre Studentship Recipient, provides an update on his research focused on pediatric burn epidemiology in Ontario. He highlights ongoing barriers to accessing specialized burn care in the province, particularly for children in need of more advanced treatment.

Co-Directors Message

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children at the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children brings together top researchers to help reduce inequities in child health, including those caused by social and structural determinants of health. Through strategic investments in research, education, training and infrastructure we are executing our vision of “harnessing interdisciplinary research to promote the flourishing of every child and family”.

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Acknowledgement of Traditional Land

The Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Children at the University of Toronto and the Hospital for Sick Children is situated on the traditional territories of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca, and Mississaugas of the Credit River. We recognize and honour the Indigenous peoples who have cared for this land for thousands of years, and today, this land remains a vibrant meeting place for many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island. The Centre is committed to collaborating with Indigenous communities and partners to promote the health and well-being of every child and family.